How to stream a movie from your computer to your TV via Wi-Fi: all the ways to do it in 2026

Have you downloaded a movie to your computer but want to watch it on your big TV screen without the hassle and hassle of wires? Stream content via Wi-Fi solves this problem in minutes, but it's not always obvious which method to choose. DLNA, Miracast, Chromecast, or proprietary technologies from Samsung, LG And Sony — each option has its own nuances: from format support to connection stability.

In this article we will look at all current wireless broadcasting methods From PC to TV, including hidden Windows settings, alternative programs, and workarounds for common errors (for example, when the TV doesn't recognize the computer or the video lags). We'll pay special attention to Compatibility with TVs from 2020 to 2026, where manufacturers frequently change connection protocols. If your TV is older, check its specifications for support. Miracast or DLNA in the instructions.

Spoiler: the most universal method is Google Chromecast (even for non-smart TVs), but it requires purchasing an adapter. But for owners Samsung Smart TV or LG webOS luckier: they have built-in tools for broadcasting without additional devices.

1. Preparation: What to check before connecting

Before you try to stream a movie, make sure your network and devices are ready for it. 90% of problems Broadcasting issues can be caused by three things: network mismatches, outdated drivers, or firewall blocking.

Here are the minimum requirements for all methods:

• 📶 One Wi-Fi networkBoth the computer and TV must be connected to the same router. If the TV uses cable (Ethernet) and the PC uses Wi-Fi, that's also acceptable.
• 🖥️ Windows 10/11 (for Miracast) or macOS (for AirPlay). On Linux, you will need additional programs like Gnome Cast.
• 📺 Smart TV with DLNA/Miracast support or external adapter (Chromecast, Fire TV Stick).
• 🔌 Nutrition: the laptop must be connected to the network (when streaming 4K, the battery drains 2-3 times faster).

If you use router with separate networks for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, connect both devices to the same frequency. For example, if the TV only sees 2.4 GHz, and the computer is connected to 5 GHz, the broadcast won't work. You can check this in the Wi-Fi settings on both devices.

⚠️ Please note: some TVs Sony Bravia From 2022 to 2023, broadcasting from a PC via Miracast will be blocked if the protocol is disabled in the network settings. WPA3Switch to . WPA2-PSK in the router control panel.

2. Method 1: DLNA is a universal protocol for movies and music

DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is a standard that allows devices on the same network to exchange media files. Almost all modern Smart TVs support it, and on a PC, you just need to enable folder sharing.

How it works: you make a folder with movies on your computer “shared”, and the TV finds it through the built-in media player (for example, Samsung TV Plus or LG Media Player). Disadvantage of the method - no playback synchronization: If you pause a movie on your PC, it will continue playing on your TV.

Step-by-step setup of DLNA on Windows:

1. Open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center.
2. Select Change advanced sharing options.
3. Turn on Network discovery And File and Printer Sharing for the "Private" profile.
4. Create a folder with movies, right-click on it → Properties → Access → Sharing → add user Everyone with "Read" rights.
5. Install a DLNA server program, for example, Serviio or Plex Media Server (they automatically broadcast media to TV).

On your TV, open a media app (e.g. Photos and videos on Samsung or Media Player on LG) and select your computer from the list of devices. If the TV doesn't detect the PC:

• 🔄 Reboot your router.
• 🛠️ Update your network card drivers on your PC (via device Manager).
• 🔒 Temporarily disable Windows Firewall (Control Panel → Windows Firewall → Turn on or off).

The movie folder is shared|The computer and TV are on the same Wi-Fi network|The DLNA server is enabled on the TV (in the network settings)|The VPN is disabled on the PC-->

⚠️ Note: DLNA does not support streaming DRM-protected movies (for example, downloaded from Netflix or Apple TV+). They need Chromecast or AirPlay.

3. Method 2: Miracast – Screen Mirroring Without Lag

Miracast — is a wireless screen mirroring technology built into Windows 10/11 and most Smart TVs after 2015. Unlike DLNA, here you transmit the entire computer screen, rather than a separate file. This is convenient for watching movies in a browser or through players like VLC.

Advantages of Miracast:

• 🎮 Low latency (suitable for gaming and high-definition videos).
• 🔄 Sound support (unlike some alternatives like Apple AirPlay on Windows).
• 🚀 No need for additional programs (everything is built into Windows).

How to connect:

1. Turn on the TV mode Screen Mirroring (on Samsung — Smart View, on LG — Screen Share).
2. On PC, click Win + K (or open Settings → System → Display → Connect to a wireless display).
3. Select your TV from the list.
4. Confirm the connection on TV (you may be asked to enter a PIN code).

If Miracast doesn't work:

Why might Miracast not work on older TVs?

Many TVs from 2014-2017 support Miracast only through additional adapters (e.g. Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter). The problem may also be due to outdated TV firmware - check for updates in the menu Support → Software Update.

Miracast is ideal for streaming online cinemas (For example, Kinopoisk or IVI), but not suitable for 4K HDR - in this case it is better to use HDMI cable or Chromecast Ultra.

4. Method 3: Google Chromecast – for streaming and online services

Google Chromecast — is a separate device (or a built-in feature on some TVs) that allows you to "send" video from your computer to your TV screen. Unlike Miracast, it doesn't mirror the entire screen, but only broadcasts the video. specific content (for example, a browser tab or a movie in VLC).

Pros of Chromecast:

• 🌍 Works with any TV (even without Smart TV).
• 🎥 Supports 4K HDR And Dolby Vision (on models Chromecast Ultra And Chromecast with Google TV).
• 🔗 Integration with YouTube, Netflix, Disney+ and other services.

How to stream a movie via Chromecast:

1. Connect Chromecast to the TV's HDMI port and set it up through the app Google Home on the phone.
2. Make sure your computer and Chromecast are on the same Wi-Fi network.
3. Open the movie in a supported player (e.g. Google Chrome or VLC with plugin Cast to TV).
4. Click the icon Cast (📺) and select your Chromecast.

If your Chromecast isn't visible to your computer:

• 🔄 Restart your router and Chromecast (unplug for 30 seconds).
• 📡 Check that the protocol is enabled on your router Multicast (in settings LAN → IGMP Snooping).
• 🛡️ Disable your VPN on your PC (some services block local streaming).

For owners Android smartphones There is a bonus: you can use your phone as a remote control for Chromecast, sending video from YouTube or Google Photos directly on TV.

5. Method 4: Proprietary technologies (Samsung Smart View, LG Screen Share, Sony Bravia Connect)

TV manufacturers often develop their own broadcast protocols, which are more stable than universal solutions. Let's look at the most common ones:

📌 Samsung Smart View

Available on all Samsung Smart TV Since 2016. Allows you to broadcast your PC screen or individual files. A program is required for Windows. Samsung Smart View (download from the official website).

• ✅ Supports 4K And HDR10.
• ❌ Does not work with macOS.

📌 LG Screen Share (and AirPlay 2)

Televisions LG webOS (2018 and newer) supported AirPlay 2, which allows you to broadcast your screen from Mac or iPhone No additional software required. For Windows you will need 5KPlayer or AirParrot.

📌 Sony Bravia Connect

On TVs Sony With Android TV built-in Chromecast, so you can use the standard one Cast from a browser or applications. Also supported Miracast (on the menu Screen → Wireless Display).

General connection algorithm:

1. On TV, turn on the corresponding mode (Screen Mirroring, Smart View etc.).
2. Install the proprietary software on your PC (if required).
3. Connect to your TV via the menu Win + K or a special program.

⚠️ Warning: on TVs Xiaomi Mi TV branded Miracast often conflicts with routers TP-Link due to the specifics of the protocol implementation WPA3The solution is to switch to WPA2 or use Chromecast.

6. Method 5: Streaming programs (VLC, Plex, Kodi)

If the built-in Windows or TV tools aren't enough, you can use third-party programs. They often offer more features, such as support for rare formats, on-the-fly transcoding, or creating a media server.

🎬 VLC Media Player

VLC can broadcast video over the network via the protocol HTTP or UPnP:

1. Open the movie in VLC.
2. Go to Playback → Playback Device → Convert.
3. Select Flow → Enter the IP address of your TV (you can find it in your TV network settings).

📚 Plex Media Server

Plex Creates a full-fledged media server with transcoding. Suitable for large movie collections:

• Install Plex Media Server on PC.
• Add movie folders to the library.
• Install the application on TV Plex and connect to your server.

📺 Kodi

Kodi — is a media center with DLNA and UPnP support. It can be used on both a PC and a TV (if installed) Kodi through Google Play on Android TV).

Advantages of the programs:

• 🎛️ Flexible stream quality settings (you can reduce the bitrate for a stable broadcast).
• 🔍 Support for subtitles and multi-channel audio.
• 🌐 Access movies from any device on the network (smartphone, tablet).

7. Troubleshooting: Why the movie isn't streaming or is lagging

Even with proper setup, errors can still occur. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

If the problem is not resolved:

• 🔧 Update your TV firmware (in the menu Support → Software Update).
• 📡 Check your router settings: disable QoS (if enabled), turn it on Multicast.
• 🖥️ Disable your antivirus software on your PC (it can sometimes block network streaming).

To diagnose the network, use the command in Command line:

ping [TV_IP address] -t

If the ping is stable (without packet loss), the problem is not with the network, but with the device settings.

8. Comparison of methods: which one to choose for your case

To avoid wasting time on experiments, use this table:

For most users, the best choice is:

• 🎮 For gaming and screen mirroring → Miracast.
• 🎥 For movies from the Internet → Chromecast.
• 📂 For local collection → Plex or DLNA.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to stream a movie from a computer to a TV without a Smart TV?

Yes, it will work for that. Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV Stick or Apple TV (If you have Apple devices). These adapters connect to the HDMI port and add Smart TV features, including wireless streaming.

Why does video lag when streaming over Wi-Fi?

The reasons may be different:

• Weak Wi-Fi signal (check the signal strength in the router settings).
• Network congestion (disconnect other devices downloading files).
• High movie resolution (try reducing the bitrate in the player settings).
• An outdated router (4K requires a router with support) Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or Wi-Fi 6).

Solution: Switch to 5 GHz, reduce the video resolution to 1080p or use an Ethernet cable for PC.

How to stream a movie with subtitles?

If the subtitles are in a separate file (.srt), make sure that:

• The subtitle file has the same name as the movie (for example, film.mkv And film.srt).
• In the player (for example, VLC or Kodi) the "Automatic download of subtitles" option is enabled.
• When broadcasting via DLNA subtitles may not be displayed - in this case, use Plex or Miracast.

Is it possible to screencast from Mac to TV?

Yes, there are several ways to do this:

• AirPlay: if you have Apple TV or Smart TV with AirPlay support (for example, LG webOS or Samsung 2020+).
• Chromecast: via browser Google Chrome (click Cast in the menu).
• Miracast: not supported natively on macOS, but you can use programs like AirParrot or Reflector.

How to stream a movie from a PC to a TV via cable if Wi-Fi isn't working?

If wireless connection is not possible, use:

• HDMI cable: the most stable solution for 4K HDR.
• USB drive: copy the movie to a flash drive and connect it to the TV.
• Ethernet (LAN): If the TV and PC are connected to the router via cable, DLNA will work more stably than via Wi-Fi.